Fact Check: Hamas and it’s allies have committed war crimes, crimes against humanity, and genocide

Claim Analysis: "Hamas and its allies have committed war crimes, crimes against humanity, and genocide"

1. Introduction

The claim that "Hamas and its allies have committed war crimes, crimes against humanity, and genocide" has emerged prominently in discussions surrounding the ongoing conflict in Gaza and Israel. This assertion has been made by various political figures, organizations, and media outlets, particularly in the wake of the October 7, 2023, attacks led by Hamas. The complexity of the situation necessitates a careful examination of the evidence and the sources making these claims.

2. What We Know

Several sources have reported on the actions of Hamas and its allies, categorizing them as war crimes and acts of genocide:

• A letter from the U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Foreign Affairs, dated October 19, 2023, explicitly states that Hamas has committed acts of genocide and war crimes, detailing specific incidents such as the murder of civilians and assaults on communities in Israel 12.
• A report from Human Rights Watch (HRW) indicates that Hamas's military wing, along with other Palestinian armed groups, committed numerous war crimes during the October 7 attacks, including targeting civilians 8.
• The United Nations Human Rights Council has also identified "clear evidence" of war crimes committed by both Hamas and the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) in the ongoing conflict 7.

In contrast, other reports have focused on allegations against Israel, suggesting that its military actions in Gaza may also constitute genocide and war crimes, highlighting the complexity of the situation 369.

3. Analysis

Source Evaluation

1. U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Foreign Affairs: This source is a governmental body and thus carries authority; however, it may also reflect political bias, particularly given the current U.S. administration's stance on Israel and Hamas. The letter's language is strong and unequivocal, but it lacks independent verification of the claims made within it 12.

2. Human Rights Watch: HRW is a well-respected international non-governmental organization that conducts thorough investigations into human rights abuses. Their reports are typically based on extensive field research and interviews, lending credibility to their findings. However, they may also be perceived as having a bias depending on the political context of their reports 8.

3. United Nations Reports: The UN often provides a platform for various perspectives, but its findings can be contentious and are sometimes criticized for being politically motivated. Reports from the UN Human Rights Council have indicated potential war crimes by both sides, which adds complexity to the narrative 7.

4. Wikipedia Entries: While Wikipedia can be a useful starting point for research, it is important to note that its content is user-generated and can be subject to bias. The entries on war crimes in the Gaza conflict provide a summary of various claims but should be cross-referenced with primary sources for accuracy 4510.

Conflicting Claims

The assertion that Hamas has committed genocide and war crimes is countered by claims that Israel's military actions in Gaza also amount to similar violations. Reports from Amnesty International and other organizations have accused Israel of committing genocidal acts against Palestinians, further complicating the narrative 69. This duality suggests that both sides are accused of severe violations of international law, which requires careful consideration of the evidence presented by both sides.

Methodology and Evidence

The claims regarding Hamas's actions are often based on eyewitness accounts, video evidence, and testimonies from victims, which can be compelling but also require verification. The methodology behind these claims should be scrutinized to ensure that they are not based on selective reporting or anecdotal evidence. Similarly, the evidence against Israel must also be critically assessed to understand the broader context of the conflict.

4. Conclusion

Verdict: Partially True

The claim that "Hamas and its allies have committed war crimes, crimes against humanity, and genocide" is supported by various credible sources, including reports from the U.S. House of Representatives and Human Rights Watch, which detail specific incidents of violence against civilians. However, the context of the ongoing conflict complicates the narrative, as allegations of similar violations by Israel also exist.

This verdict reflects the complexity of the situation, where both sides have been accused of severe breaches of international law. The evidence presented is compelling but not definitive, as it often relies on reports that may carry inherent biases or lack independent verification.

It is essential to acknowledge the limitations in the available evidence, as the situation is fluid and ongoing, with new information emerging regularly. Readers are encouraged to critically evaluate the information presented and consider multiple perspectives to form a well-rounded understanding of the conflict.

5. Sources

1. U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Foreign Affairs. (2023). Retrieved from https://mccaul.house.gov/sites/evo-subsites/mccaul.house.gov/files/evo-media-document/2023-10-19-letter-to-sec.-blinken-amb.-van-schaack-regarding-hamas-genocide-crimes-against-humanity-war-crimes.pdf
2. McCaul Declares Hamas Committed Acts of Genocide. (2023). Retrieved from https://foreignaffairs.house.gov/press-release/mccaul-declares-hamas-committed-acts-of-genocide-crimes-against-humanity-war-crimes-calls-upon-state-department-to-determine-same/
3. Is Israel Committing Genocide in Gaza? (2024). Retrieved from https://www.bu.edu/articles/2024/is-israel-committing-genocide-in-gaza/
4. War crimes in the Gaza war. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/War_crimes_in_the_Gaza_war
5. Allegations of genocide in the October 7 Hamas-led attack on Israel. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Allegations_of_genocide_in_the_October_7_Hamas-led_attack_on_Israel
6. UN experts accuse Israel of genocidal acts. (2025). Retrieved from https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/un-experts-accuse-israel-genocidal-acts-sexual-violence-gaza-2025-03-13/
7. War crimes in the Gaza war - Wikipedia. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/War_crimes_in_the_Gaza_War
8. October 7 Crimes Against Humanity, War Crimes by Hamas-led Groups. (2024). Retrieved from https://www.hrw.org/news/2024/07/17/october-7-crimes-against-humanity-war-crimes-hamas-led-groups
9. Amnesty concludes Israel is committing genocide in Gaza. (2024). Retrieved from https://www.amnesty.org/en/latest/news/2024/12/amnesty-international-concludes-israel-is-committing-genocide-against-palestinians-in-gaza/
10. Unpacking the UN findings of war crimes by Hamas and Israel since October 7. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.atlanticcouncil.org/blogs/menasource/coi-war-crimes-hamas-israel-october-7-gaza-hostages/